Finishing my MSc next month and have a 2i BSc. I've been searching and applying for PhD's for months. People can't be bothered replying in most cases. So you call and call and call (after e-mailing a few times) to find out that the place has been filled or that there is no funding. I've just got too sick of it that can't be bothered e-mailing, calling or filling forms in.Why is it this hard to get a place when you meet their criteria and why don't they reply to requests?

I dont know, that american system is a long tough haul. I mean they do a four year degree (usually) for starters, then they take the MCAT which is a horrible entrance exam (which they have to pay for), then they have to pay tens of thousands a year to go to med school for another 5 years. I cant see that catching on here for some reason. Also, the long term rewards in the US are far greater.

They are only allowed to take in a certain % of graduates and foreign students per intake, hence competition for these places is tough. Personally I think we should adopt the American system of having to do pre-med. Tis would however present a problem in that there won't be any new Drs for 3 years but it'd be beneficial in the long run.

We all know what medicine is like. They will probably be more interested to see whether you have 11 A's at GCSE than a good BSc AND an MSc. Its a joke - and they moan that there are'nt enough doctors!!!

i have been accepted for a PhD in a UK univ, in the area of voluntary organisations combating AIDS are there any possibilities that UK organisations sponsor this kind of project?

I am doing, haven't been very sucessful so far so was just wondering as a back up plan. Will

I’ve applied to med school and was rejected. I have a BSc (2:II) in Human Genetics and an MSc in Medical Genetics. I have also done lots of voluntary work. I applied to 2 of the fast track programmes and 2 normal 5 year ones and was rejected by all. It seems ridicules that they would prefer a 17 year old to someone who desperately want to do medicine and understands the commitment involved.

Why dont you just apply for a studentship and save yourself 30K?

generally you need a 2.1 or above to get into med school but if you have a bit of medical experience (eg. working at your GP's over the summer, taking blood at a hospital, etc) they'll probably consider you. hey does anybody know more about this "fast track" program??

Yes, you can now do a 'fast track' medicine in some of the university in UK. You can find out from them. Some universities such as St. George's hospital medical school and Warwick university. Good luck!

I can cover my living costs ok & recon I could manage about £10-13000 per year for a 3 year project. Is that likely to cover an average project? Will

Pls how can I easily get a Spervisor for Ph.D studies in Microbiology
Thanks.

It would depend on whether you mean to just fund yourself (University fees (which will be around £3000 per year for a full time student) and cost of living) or whether you will have to cover the cost of the project itself (i.e. consumables, equipment etc) which could be considerable depending on the type of project you have in mind. Good luck.

Hi Helen

When I graduate many years ago, I got a 2ii. My then supervisor suggested me to get a job if I could not afford a MSc. Then I was working in a clinical laboratory for eight years. I earned enough money and experience to carry on a PhD. Although it was not easy because of my age, I am doing my final year now at the age of 37.

Hi Helen

Don't lose your heart. I am 37 and doing my final year PhD in Brunel. My colleage is 41 (I think) and doing his second year.